Lounge chair for accommodating abdominal regions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a lounge chair. The lounge chair is configured to provide comfort to person with an enlarged abdomen when lying in a prone position and can be configured to be used as a chair. More specifically, the lounge chair has a facial opening for receiving face of the individual and a stomach opening for receiving stomach of the individual when the person lies in prone position. The chair has three pivotable sections allowing the chair to be used as beach or lounge chair. In the beach chair configuration, the user sits on a lower pivotable section using a middle section as a backrest. The chair has collapsible legs that can be folded to collapse the chair for easy carrying.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/074,501, which was filed on Sep. 4, 2020,and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of lawn and patiofurniture, such as lounge chairs. More specifically, the presentinvention relates to a lounge chair that has been designed for use bypregnant women in order to provide additional comfort. The maternitylounge chair features a midsection opening and a top section opening toaccommodate the abdomen and the face of the pregnant women while lyingface down on the chair. Additionally, each of the openings can have azip or snap-style cover which is attached from the underside of thechair to alleviate any discomfort while lying on one's back or face upor adjusting the chair from upright to reclining. The maternity loungechair has an adjustable backrest that can be stabilized to enable usersto sit in the chair if desired, and allows the chair to fold compactlyfor convenient storage and transportation. The improved design of thematernity lounge chair offers a comfortable alternative lounge chair forpregnant women, that allows them to suntan or just more readily relax orrest while enjoying the outdoors during their pregnancy. Accordingly,the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, itis to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are alsoequally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods ofmanufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

By way of background, various kinds of lawn furniture, beach chairs suchas beach lounge chairs, canopy beach chairs, folding chairs, backpackbeach chairs, beach hammock and camp chairs, and others are often usedby individuals to rest and relax near beaches or outdoors. From theaforementioned beach chair types, the beach lounge chairs provide theutmost comfort to the people on the beach in that they allow a person tolay in a prone position. The lounge chairs are similar to folding chairsand are elongated compared to other types, and provide more legroom tothe individuals lying on the chair. Additionally, the lounge chairensures a good body rest position and allows people to comfortably liedown on the chair while resting or engaging in other activities such astanning on the beach. Lounge chairs also allow a user sit up with theirlegs out in order to enjoy the sight of the surf and their surroundingsas well as to watch others engaging in recreational activities.

Although most individuals enjoy relaxing in a lounge chair while layingdown or in a seated position, pregnant women may be unable to lay downin the prone position comfortably on the lounge chair. While lying facedown on the lounge chair, pregnant women may have difficulties due totheir enlarged abdomen, as their belly or “baby bump” is pressed againstthe chair surface, making laying down difficult. This generally makespregnant women uncomfortable, and in the case of a pregnant woman lyingface down on a chair for a longer time, the prolonged pressing on thebelly bump may lead to pregnancy complications as well. Further, somelounge chairs may also be uncomfortable to sit on if pregnant. Pregnantwomen may be unable to fully relax while enjoying lounge chairs, pools,spas and more.

Also, other people may be uncomfortable while lying face down on thelounge chairs, as their face is pressed against the lounge chairsurface, and generally while lying face down on the beach lounge chairs,people are required to keep their face either towards the left side orthe right side. People may desire to keep their face down while relaxingon the beach lounge chairs to enjoy their beach experience. However,this is not possible in the currently available beach lounge chairs andpeople are uncomfortable in lying face down on the lounge chairs asthere is no place for a person to position their face other than to thesides of the chair.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a beach loungechair that allows the pregnant women to comfortably lie face down on thelounge chairs while relaxing on the beach or enjoying time outside withothers. There is also a long felt need in the art for a lounge chairthat prevents the abdomen or belly of pregnant women from being pressedagainst the lounge chair surface, and thus helps alleviates individualsfrom suffering any pregnancy complications due to prolonged pressing ofthe abdomen against the surface of the chair. Additionally, there is along felt need in the art for a lounge chair that is designed to aid inthe comfort of pregnant women. Moreover, there is a long felt need inthe art for a lounge chair that allows the pregnant women to comfortablylie face down on the chair while relaxing, sleeping or engaging in otheractivities such as tanning on the beach, and enhances their experiencewhile they are outdoors. Further, there is a long felt need in the artfor a lounge chair that allows individuals to lie face down withoutkeeping their face on the left or right side, and provides acomfortable, relaxing experience for all users. Furthermore, there is along felt need in the art for a lounge chair that allows the pregnantwomen to comfortably sit as well. Finally, there is a long felt need inthe art for an improved lounge chair that can completely fold up forstorage and transportation.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises a lounge chair for women who are pregnant or othersthat may have abdominal issues which require them to avoid pressure ontheir abdominal region. The lounge chair includes a frame having anupper section, a middle section and a lower section, wherein eachsection has a fabric fastened or secured to the edges of the framesections with which the fabric is associated. More specifically, thechair is configured to be elongated, thereby allowing an individual tolie in a prone or a supine position. The upper section having a facialopening for receiving the face of the individual when lying in the proneposition, the middle section having a stomach opening for receiving thestomach of the individual, and the lower section provides support to thelegs.

The facial opening and the stomach opening can be covered using zip,hook and loop or snap covers allowing the individual to lie in supineposition. The chair is further configured to be a beach chair whereinthe individual can sit on the lower section using the middle section asa backrest. A first pair of collapsible legs are attached to the uppersection and a second pair of collapsible legs are attached to the lowersection to support the individual in a prone and supine position and thechair can be folded inwards to collapse easily. The chair can also becollapsed to use the middle section as a backrest for use as a beachchair.

In this manner, the novel lounge chair of the present inventionaccomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provides a relativelycomfortable and safe alternative lounge chair for pregnant women andother individuals having abdominal issues while lying face down orsitting on the lounge chair. The improved lounge chair of the presentinvention prevents the pressing of the abdominal region against thelounge chair surface, and prevents any risks/complications due toprolonged pressing against the abdomen. Additionally, the lounge chairprovides a comfortable experience for others as people can comfortablylie face down on the lounge chair, without requiring to keep their faceon the left or right side.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key orcritical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose isto present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises a lounge chair configured for use by individualsduring pregnancy or others that may have abdominal or stomach issues, oran enlarged stomach or belly. The lounge chair is configured to providecomfort to a woman during pregnancy or to a person with an extendedabdomen when lying in a prone position. The lounge chair furthercomprises a rigid frame having a main frame with three sections; namely,an upper section, a middle section and a lower section. Each section hasa fabric poisoned there along for the individual to lie upon, a legframe having a pair of identical legs and a second pair of identicallegs to support the main frame. The upper section has a facial openingfor receiving the face of the individual when the individual lies inprone position, the middle section having a stomach or abdominal openingfor receiving the stomach or belly region of the user, and the lowersection provides support to the legs of the individual. The uppersection is pivotable to the middle section and the middle section ispivotable to the lower section, such that the middle section is pivotedin a reclined position and the upper section adheres or secures to arear surface of the middle section, thereby allowing a user to sit onthe lower section using the middle section as a backrest.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a lounge chair for useduring pregnancy or for others with abdominal or stomach issues isdisclosed. The lounge chair includes a frame having an upper section, amiddle section and a lower section, wherein each section has a fabricfastened to the edges of the respective sections to form the individualsections. The chair is configured to be elongated, thereby allowing anindividual to lie in a prone or a supine position. The upper sectionhaving a facial opening for receiving the face of the individual whenthe individual lies in a prone position, the middle section having astomach opening for receiving the stomach of the individual, and thelower section provides support to the legs of the individual. The facialopening and the stomach opening can be covered over using zip, hook andloop fasteners or snap covers, thereby allowing the individual to lie ina prone or supine position. The chair is further configured to be abeach chair such that the person can sit on the lower section using themiddle section as a backrest. A first pair of collapsible legs areattached to the upper section and a second pair of collapsible legs areattached to the lower section to support the individual in a prone orsupine position, and can be folded inwards to collapse the chair.

In one embodiment, the upper section is pivotably connected to themiddle section, and the middle section is pivotably-connected to thelower section. The middle section is pivoted in a reclined position andis locked for the security of the user of the chair and the uppersection adheres to or is applied against a rear surface of the middlesection, thereby allowing a user to sit on the lower section using themiddle section as a backrest.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, to completely foldthe lounge chair for easy carrying, pair of tubular legs attached to theupper section are folded inwards to touch the rear surface of the uppersection. Then, the second pair of tubular legs is attached to the lowersection and are folded inwards to touch rear surface of the lowersection. Thereafter, the middle section is hingedly-connected to theupper section and is pivoted to the rear portion of the lower section,such that the middle section and the upper section adhere to, or areapplied against, the lower section, thereby reducing the length of thechair 100 to about half in comparison to the elongated length of thechair.

The advantage of the present invention is that it provides an adjustablelounge chair device for pregnant women as well as people with a large orextended abdomen, stomach or someone needing to avoid pressure on theirstomach area such as someone recovering from surgery. The chair can beused in an expanded configuration for laying down or a compactconfiguration for sitting. The adjustable backrest ensures comfort whenin a seated position. The chair can be folded compactly for convenientstorage and transportation. The chair can be used in a variety of ways,for both prone and supine positions and also for sitting.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and areintended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar referencecharacters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of amaternity lounge chair of the present invention in accordance with thedisclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a pregnant woman lying ina prone position on one potential embodiment of the maternity loungechair of the present invention in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of a pregnant woman lying in aprone position on one potential embodiment of the maternity lounge chairof the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a pregnant woman sitting in onepotential embodiment of the maternity lounge chair of the presentinvention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein thechair is in a beach chair configuration;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of thematernity lounge chair of the present invention in accordance with thedisclosed architecture, wherein the chair is in a compact or closedconfiguration for easy transportation and storage; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method of making thematernity lounge chair of the present invention in accordance with thedisclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments arediscussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are describedonly to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are notintended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limitthe scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment neednot have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in otherembodiments, any of the features described herein from differentembodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a beachlounge chair that allows the individuals with enlarged abdominal areas,such as pregnant women or others recovering from stomach surgery, tocomfortably lie face down on the lounge chairs while relaxing on thebeaches, or engaging in other outdoor activity. There is also a longfelt need in the art for a lounge chair that prevents the belly ofpregnant women from pressing against the lounge chair surface, to helpavoid suffering from any pregnancy complications due to the prolongedpressing of the belly. Additionally, there is a long felt need in theart for a lounge chair that is designed while keeping in mind thecomfort of those with enlarged abdominal areas. Moreover, there is along felt need in the art for a lounge chair device that allows pregnantwomen and others with stomach issues to comfortably lie face down on thechair while tanning on the beach, relaxing outdoors or by the pool, andenhances their experience when engaging in such activities as well.Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a lounge chair thatallows the individuals to lie face down without keeping their face tothe left or right side, and provides a comfortable relaxing experience.Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a lounge chairthat allows individuals with abdominal issues and pregnant women tocomfortably sit as well. Finally, there is a long felt need in the artfor an improved lounge chair that can completely fold up for storage andtransportation.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel loungechair. The lounge chair is configured to provide comfort duringpregnancy or to a person with an extended abdomen or other stomachissues when lying in a prone position. The lounge chair furthercomprises a main frame having three sections; an upper section, a middlesection and a lower section. Each section has fabric fastened along theedges for the individual to lie on the fabric, a leg frame having a pairof identical legs and a second pair of identical legs to support themain frame, the upper section has a facial opening for receiving face ofthe individual when that person lies in prone position. The middlesection has a stomach opening for receiving the stomach or abdominalregion of the individual, and the lower section which provides supportto the legs of the person using the lounge chair. The upper section ispivotably-attached to the middle section and the middle section ispivotably-attached to the lower section such that the middle section ispivoted in a reclined position and the upper section adheres to orotherwise removably attaches to a rear surface of the middle section,thereby allowing a user to sit on the lower section using the middlesection as a backrest. The fabric applied to each section is removableso as to be washable and may be made from any suitable material such asnatural, synthetic, renewable or recycled fibers.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspectiveview of one potential embodiment of a maternity lounge chair 100 of thepresent invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Morespecifically, the maternity lounge chair 100 of the present invention isconfigured and designed to facilitate comfort to pregnant women or thosewith abdominal issues where it is beneficial or comfortable to avoidpressure on the abdominal region. The maternity chair 100 is a one-pieceunit having a main frame and tubular leg frame. The main frame has anupper section 102, a middle section 104 and a lower section 106. Themain frame has a rectangular dimension with a pair of side arms for eachsection 102, 104, 106 of the main frame.

The frame may be made from aluminum, aluminum alloys, plastic, fiberglass or other suitable materials which are sufficiently strong to holdthe weight of an adult as well, as to be lightweight enough to allow theeasy transportation of the chair. The tubular leg frame has a first pairof identical legs connected to the upper section 102 and a second pairof identical legs connected to the lower section 106. The upper section102 is hingedly-connected to the middle section 104 via a first pair ofhinges 116. Each of the tubular leg section may be provided with wheelsor castors 133 to facilitate the movement of the lounge chair from placeto place. The first pair of hinges 116 allows the upper section 102 torotate from a position in alignment with the middle section 104 (asshown in FIG. 1 to completely adhere to the rear portion of the middlesection 104 (as shown in FIG. 4).

The other end of the middle section 104 is connected to the lowersection 106 via a second pair of hinges 118. The second pair of hinges118 can be similar or different than the first pair of hinges 116. Thesecond pair of hinges 118 has a locking mechanism to rotate and lock themiddle section 104, while the lower section 106 remains horizontal. Thelocking mechanism can have mechanical fasteners or any other lockingmechanism to lock the middle section 104 in a stable, angular positionor reclining position, thereby allowing an individual to sit on thelower section 106 using middle section 104 as a backrest.

The upper section 102 has a facial opening 112 configured anddimensioned in a circular shape to receive a user's face. The facialopening 112 allows the user to lie in a prone position with his or herface comfortably resting in the facial opening 112. The facial opening112 permits the user to rest in a relaxed breathing position.

The middle section 104 has an abdomen/stomach opening 114 configured anddimensioned in a circular shape to receive the user's stomach. Theabdomen opening 114 allows the user to lie in a prone position with hisor her stomach comfortably resting in the stomach opening 112. Theopening 114 is also showing with a covering 137 which is provided tocover the opening 114 when the opening is not in use such as when theperson is lying on his or her back or the lounge chair is positioned inthe sitting position. The abdomen opening 114 can also be created basedon the size of the individual, so that the opening is not too large andkeeps the user comfortable.

The lower section 106 has a complete layer of fabric 120 with no openingallowing the user to comfortably place his or her legs. The uppersection 102, middle section 104 and the lower section 106 can have thesame fabric layer allowing the user to comfortably lie in proneposition. Any or all of the sections have a removable or retractableaccessory platform 139 where a user may place a beverage, book or otherconvenience item. The lower section 106 is also shown with a graphic 135which may include any sort of trademark, trade name, design element orthe like so that the lounge chair can be personalized for each user.

The facial opening 112 and the abdomen opening 114 have a zip orsnap-style cover 137 attached from the underside of the lounge chair 100allowing the user to lie in a supine position on the lounge chair 100.The zip, hook and loop fasteners or snap-style covers can cover theopenings 112, 114 such that the user feels comfortable in a supineposition or during sitting when the middle section 104 is used in areclining position.

The lounge chair 100 allows a pregnant woman or another individual withan abdominal issue to maintain correct posture while lying in both proneand supine positions. The chair 100 is useful for reclining comfortablyas well for a pregnant women or other individual. The lower section 106acts as a footrest and the middle section 104 acts as a backrest andsupports the individual's stomach safely and comfortably. The middlesection 104 accommodates the bulge of the abdomen with continuity ofsupport.

The lounge chair 100 is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture,rugged in construction, easy to use and efficient in operation. Thelounge chair 100 can be used in both an extended position for lyingdown, and a more compact position for seating. The lounge chair 100 isdimensioned for a pregnant woman or other individual with abdominalissues, however, it can be used by any individual having an enlargedbelly or stomach area.

The upper section 102 has a rectangular frame on which the fabric isfastened, secured or sewn. The upper section 102 has a pair of tubularlegs 108 which are configured to be placed on a surface and can befolded inward to meet the rear surface of the upper section 102. Toeasily carry the chair 100, the upper section 102 has an attached handle122. The handles 122, 124 form part of the main frame of the chair 100.

The lower section 106 is the longest section of the chair 100 and isgenerally rectangular in shape. The lower section 106 is designed to actas a footrest for a user lying on the chair 100. The lower section 106has a second pair of tubular legs 110 along the longitudinal edges ofthe lower section 106. The second pair of tubular legs 110 can be foldedinward to meet the rear surface of the lower section 106. The first pairof tubular legs 108 and the second pair of tubular legs 108 are unfoldedto elongate the chair 100 and can be folded to make the chair 100compact. The lounge chair 100 is also collapsible at a first set ofhinges 116 and at a second set of hinges 118. The hinges 116, 118 areadjustable and movable hinges known in the art, and allow the hingedmovement of the upper section 102 and the middle section 104.

The chair 100 is ideal for sunbathing, tanning, relaxing, napping andother restful activities. The facial opening 112 also permits the userto comfortably read a book or novel while sunbathing or otherwise lyingface down on the lounge chair. The fabric of the maternity chair 100 isstretchy, soft and flexible. The zip covers for openings 112, 114 arealso made up of the same material as the fabric. Along each section ofthe lounge chair 100, the fabric is a continuous sheet and does not haveany holes or small openings.

The fabric used with the lounge chair 100 is preferably breathable andheavy-duty, and can be made of a quick-drying polyester, natural orother synthetic materials, or recycled or renewable fibers. The tubularleg members are durable, rust-resistant and can be made up oflightweight aluminum, other metal alloys, plastic, fiberglass and thelike. The frame ensures durability over a long period of time and easeof transport. It should be noted that each of the upper section 102, themiddle section 104 and the lower section 106 have fabric. A user lies onthe top surface of the fabric, and the top surface of the fabric is thetop surface of all the sections. Each section further comprises a rearsurface where the tubular legs are folded inwards.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a pregnant woman lying ina prone position on one potential embodiment of the maternity loungechair 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture. More specifically, the lounge chair 100 allows a user 200with an enlarged abdomen or stomach, such as a pregnant woman, to lie inprone position comfortably. The lounge chair 100 is in an elongatedposition with the first pair of tubular legs 108 and the second pair oftubular legs 110 in an unfolded position. In the unfolded position, thechair 100 can have a height of up to three feet. The facial opening 112of the upper section 102 comfortably receives a user's face 204 and thestomach opening 114 of the middle section 104 receives the enlargedabdomen or stomach 202 of the user 200. The legs 206 of the user 200 aresupported by the lower section 106.

The facial opening and the stomach opening are dimensioned to easily andcomfortably receive the face 204 and the bulging stomach 202,respectively, of the user 200. The stomach opening for the abdomen has acover that can be expanded to conform to the size and shape of theuser's abdomen 202 and can conform to the abdomen of the pregnant woman200 throughout the pregnancy.

The upper section 102, middle section 104 and lower section 106 aredimensioned to allow the user 200 to comfortably lie on the fabric. Afirst handle 122 attached to the upper section 102 and a second handle124 attached to the lower section 106 are used for carrying the chair100 comfortably. It should be appreciated that the fabric of the chair100 can be replaced when worn out due to repeated usage. In oneembodiment, the height of the chair 100 in an elongated position can beincreased using a telescoping mechanism 153 in the tubular legs 108, 110or frame 106.

As stated earlier, a first pair of hinges 116 connects the upper section102 and the middle section 104 allowing the upper section to pivot alongthe first pair of hinges 116 to an exemplary decline position 102. Thepivot allows the upper section 102 to adhere to or be adjacent to therear surface of the middle section 104. Similarly, the middle section104 and the lower section 106 are connected using the second pair ofhinges 118 allowing the middle section to pivot with respect to thelower section 106. In the preferred embodiment, the lower section 106 isfixed, remains horizontal and cannot be pivoted.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of a pregnant woman lying in aprone position on one potential embodiment of the maternity lounge chair100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture. More specifically, the user 200 lies on the top surface ofthe main body of the chair 100. The main body has the upper section 102that allows the user to put his or her face in the facial opening 112and can view a book or watch a video by placing the book or anelectronic device on the surface directly underneath the facial opening112. The stomach is received by the stomach opening 114 of the middlesection 102 to provide comfort to the user 200. The circumferentialboundary of the stomach opening 114 is soft and is comfortable for theuser 200.

The lower section 106 provides adequate space to the legs 206 of theuser 200. During use for lying on the top surface of the main body, thetubular legs 108, 110 are unfolded allowing a stable and securepositioning of the chair 100 on any plane surface. Additionally, thetubular legs 108, 110 provide support and prevent tilting of the chair100 during use.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a pregnant woman sitting in onepotential embodiment of the maternity lounge chair 100 of the presentinvention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein thechair is in a beach chair configuration. More specifically, to use thelounge chair 100 as a beach chair as shown in the present embodiment,the upper section 102 is pivoted to completely adhere to the rearsurface of the middle section 104. The first pair of tubular legs (shownin FIG. 1) of the upper section 102 are folded inwards to touch the rearsurface of the upper section 102 so that the upper section 102completely adheres to the rear surface of the middle section 104.

Also, the stomach opening of the middle section 104 is covered with azip, hook and loop or snap-style cover. The stomach opening whenenclosed by the cover 137 (see FIG. 1) allows the user 200 to use thefabric of the middle section 104 as a backrest. The middle section 104is pivoted in a reclined position with locked hinges 118, therebyallowing the user 200 to use the middle section 104 comfortably andsecurely as a backrest.

The lower section 106 remains horizontal, fixed and stable on thetubular legs 110, allowing the user 200 to sit comfortably. The lowersection 106 supports the user 200 in a sitting position. The hinges 116,118 lock the sections of the main body of the lounge chair 100 and donot allow the movement of the upper section 102, middle section 104 andlower section 106 with respect to each other.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of thematernity lounge chair 100 of the present invention in accordance withthe disclosed architecture, wherein the chair 100 is in a compact orclosed configuration for easy transportation and storage. One advantageof the lounge chair 100 of the present invention is that it can beeasily compacted and folded for comfortably carrying and may be providedwith a handle element 151. To completely fold the maternity chair 100,the pair of tubular legs 108 which are attached to the upper section 102are folded inwards to touch the rear surface of the upper section 102.Then, the second pair of tubular legs 110 attached to the lower section106 are folded inwards to touch the rear surface of the lower section106. Thereafter, the middle section 104, which is hingedly-connected tothe upper section 102, is pivoted to the rear portion of the lowersection 106 such that the middle section 104 and the upper section 102adhere to the lower section 102, thereby approximately reducing thelength of the chair 100 to half in comparison to the elongated length ofthe chair 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method of making thematernity lounge chair 100 of the present invention in accordance withthe disclosed architecture. More specifically, a lounge chair isprovided at step 600 and then measurements of the individual to use thelounge chair are taken at step 610. The measurement step may include oneor both the facial area as well as the abdominal area of the user. Next,one or more openings are cut into the fabric of the lounge chair at step620 based on the measurements taken in step 610. The edges of the fabricaround the cut areas may be sealed or otherwise seamed to preventfraying of the fabric material at step 625. Graphics, other indicia andaccessories may be added to the chair at step 640 depending on thepreferences of the user. Finally, once the lounge chair is completed,the chair is delivered to the customer at step 650. In a further stepthe openings of the chair may be adjusted at step 655.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claimsto refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the artwill appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature orcomponent by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components or features that differ in name but notstructure or function. As used herein “maternity lounge chair”,“maternity chair”, “chair”, “lounge chair” and “maternity beach chair”are interchangeable and refer to the maternity lounge chair 100 of thepresent invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the maternity lounge chair 100 of thepresent invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as isknown in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention,provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration,and material of the maternity lounge chair 100 as shown in the FIGS. arefor illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes ofthe maternity lounge chair 100 are well within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Although the dimensions of the maternity lounge chair 100are important design parameters for user convenience, the maternitylounge chair 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performanceduring use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. While the embodiments described above refer to particularfeatures, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments havingdifferent combinations of features and embodiments that do not includeall of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the presentinvention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications,and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with allequivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subjectmatter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivablecombination of components or methodologies for purposes of describingthe claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimedsubject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter isintended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variationsthat fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lounge chair for an individual with an enlargedabdominal area, the lounge chair comprising: a frame comprised of anupper section, a middle section and a lower section; a fabric coveringeach of the upper, middle and lower sections; a plurality of retractablelegs attached to the frame; and an opening provided in the fabric of themiddle section, wherein the opening is sized and configured toaccommodate the enlarged abdominal area.
 2. The lounge chair as recitedin claim 1, wherein a second opening is provided in the upper section ofthe fabric of the lounge chair.
 3. The lounge chair as recited in claim2, wherein the second opening is sized and configured for a face of theindividual.
 4. The lounge chair as recited in claim 1, wherein thefabric is selected from a group comprised of a natural fiber, asynthetic fiber, a recycled fiber or a renewable fiber.
 5. The loungechair as recited in claim 1, wherein the fabric is washable.
 6. Thelounge chair as recited in claim 1, wherein the fabric of at least oneof the upper, middle and lower sections is provided with a graphic. 7.The lounge chair as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of theframe and the plurality of retractable legs comprise telescopingelements.
 8. The lounge chair as recited in claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of legs have a wheel or a castor.
 9. The lounge chair asrecited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the upper, middle and lowersections is provided with an accessory holder.
 10. The lounge chair asrecited in claim 1, wherein the opening is provided with a removablecover to cover the opening when not in use.
 11. The lounge chair asrecited in claim 1, wherein the lounge chair is repositionable between aflat configuration and a sitting configuration.
 12. A method ofproviding a lounge chair for customized use by an individual with anextended abdomen, the method comprising the steps of: providing a loungechair, the lounge chair having a frame comprised of an upper section, amiddle section and a lower section, an a fabric; taking measurements ofthe individual; cutting at least one opening in the fabric covering themiddle section of the lounge chair to accommodate the extended abdomenof the individual; and delivering the lounge chair to the individual.13. The method as recited in claim 12 further comprising a step ofsealing an edge of the opening to prevent fraying after the step ofcutting.
 14. The method as recited in claim 12 further comprising afurther step of adjusting a size of the opening after the step ofdelivering.
 15. The method as recited in claim 12 further comprising astep of cutting a second opening in the fabric covering the uppersection of the frame.
 16. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein thelounge chair comprises at least one graphic and an accessory holder. 17.The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the lounge chair comprises aplurality of retractable legs each having a telescoping element.
 18. Alounge chair for a pregnant woman, the lounge chair comprising: a framehaving an upper section, a middle section and a lower section, whereineach of the upper, middle and lower sections is covered with a fabricmaterial; a first set of legs attached to the upper section; a secondset of legs attached to the lower section; an opening in the fabric ofthe middle section, wherein the opening is sized and configured toaccommodate an abdomen of the pregnant woman; and a removable coverportion to cover the opening when not in use.
 19. The lounge chair asrecited in claim 18, wherein at least one of the first and second set oflegs comprises a telescoping element.
 20. The lounge chair as recited inclaim 18, wherein each of the first and second set of legs comprises acastor or a wheel, the middle section comprises an accessory holder anda handle, and the lower section comprises a graphic or other indiciaapplied to the fabric.